A few tips & tricks from the Simplicity Architects at Simply Organized.


  • Pull out your calendar and pencil in time to organize. You can't de-clutter and organize an area in your spare time, because that extra time never seems to be there. Pick a weekly block of time and use it for organizing. Using this routine, it will help you from falling behind, especially when planning for events at the busiest times of the year.
  • A reward can be a great motivator. Write out a list of things you'd like. Then as you hit milestones in the organizing process, no matter how big or how small, you can choose a reward and treat yourself for a job well done.
  • Downsize your stuff by half. For example, if you have forty books, keep only twenty. Or if you have fourteen t-shirts for hanging around the house or exercising, hold onto your favorite seven of them.
  • Try assigning a colored pen to each member of the family. Then write all calendar items and activities in the corresponding colored pen. That way, a quick glance can tell you who is doing what and when.

  • You aren't the only one who can sort laundry, put away the groceries, or load the dishwasher. You are however, the only one who can do it exactly your way. Be willing to give up perfection for help. Plus it helps the person who is assisting you to build their skill set and confidence level.
  • Keep a bag in the bottom of the closet where you can toss items that you're going to be donating. Once the bag is full, you can call to have a charity near you pick it up. Or you might prefer to place it in the trunk of your car. Then you can drop it off the next time you're near a donation site.
  • Keep a gift bag, a few pieces of tissue paper, and a generic greeting card in the car. This way, you can wrap a gift or write out a card on short notice.
  • A wonderful way to part with items that you no longer use & love is to pass them along to a charity. Choose one that you truly believe in to give the items to. If you select a charity that picks up directly from your home, it can make the process that much easier.